Build a strong mind, body and spirit with Nishime Family Karate!

Every child is different, they all need something different to help them shine…and there are so many sports and activities to pick from nowadays that it’s hard to know what might fit best with your child. My kids were absolutely certain that karate was the right sport for them. They dropped hints for a long time before my husband and I decided to investigate further whether karate was a good option for our then 4 and 6 year old boys. I did the typical mom thing and looked up every single martial arts studio in the area and pretty much confused myself even further in the process. That’s when FFC’s own Shannan B. happened to mention that her own oldest son attended Nishime Family Karate and LOVED it. I decided this warranted further investigation, and I am SO glad I did!

Besides wanting some kind of organized physical activity for our kids there was a concern over our oldest son’s lack of focus, especially in school. As I began reading about the benefits of martial arts, karate specifically, I began to see that beyond the obvious physical benefits, this program could really benefit our children in every aspect of their lives. Karate takes focus, it requires self control. Their dojo kun (student creed) sets a great example of behavior to be followed not just in the dojo but at school and at home as well….to be sincere and honest, seek strong spirit, control bad temper. Karate builds coordination, strength and agility but it also emphasizes that perseverance and self discipline, in all areas of life, will help you achieve your goals. It builds confidence. Practice and determination are rewarded through a series of belts tests, and the look on your child’s face when he receives that first new belt is priceless…it’s the look of “I did this all on my own. I CAN do anything!”

The instructors challenge the kids to try again, take it further, prove what they have got! It’s a challenge, and it’s fun! And all the while they are learning to listen before reacting, focus on the task ahead, to use that hard earned self discipline.

At Nishime they acknowledge when a child has done well during their lesson that day, but also when your child has done well at school or at home. Did great on a math test? That gets acknowledged at class too! This tying together of all areas of a child’s life goes a long way to explain why Nishime is so good at what they do. They provide feedback immediately, but never in a negative way, and the children respond because it’s given with respect. It’s always about the next opportunity, that next class, and how they can improve or just do even better. The instructors are positive and go out of their way to make the kids feel welcome and important. They are respectful of their students, and their students are taught to be respectful in return…and not just to their instructors but to Mom and Dad, teachers, fellow students… and the list goes on.

We’ve been attending class for almost a year now, and I can definitely see the effect it’s had on my children. My oldest, especially, shows more focus in school and at home and is able to stay on task. The youngest is so proud of his progress that he recruited his best friend to start classes as well. I often think that at some point I might like to give it a try too… and the wonderful part is that Nishime provides classes that families can do together! You can take that karate class with your whole family, but then you could check out the bikini bootcamp, cardio kickboxing or Zumba classes to kick things up a notch!

Nishime Family Karate has been providing instruction in martial arts to students in the tri-state area for more than 35 years. They have 4 convenient locations all around the tri-state area so one is sure to be in your neck of the woods. Shihan Kiyoshi Nishime has over 45 years of martial arts experience and oversees all of the curriculum at Nishime Karate, his career in martial arts is long and prestigious and has taken him around the world. His wife Mary Beth teaches cardio kickboxing, bikini bootcamp and is a Zumba fanatic! His sons, Sensei Ben and Sensei Jason (who my boys love!), are instructors as well and are accomplished and lauded martial artists in their own right. As you can see Nishime Karate is indeed a family business and they do their best to treat every person who walks through the doors of their dojos with respect and kindness.

If you are interested in checking out Nishime Family Karate, possibly trying out a class or two, call to take advantage of their newest special…..3 classes AND a uniform for $24.95! I guarantee that once you’ve seen the instructors in action you’ll feel the way I do, that this program can make a world of difference in the life of your child.

My 2 sons who are now 20 and 18 took classes at Nishime 15 years ago. I have very fond memories of their instructor (who tragically passed away a few years ago), the classes, the tournaments, and the life lessons they learned at the dojo. Nishime does it the right way!

As Amy mentions, my oldest attends classes at Nishime and I can’t say enough great things about this place. My son’s been taking classes there for about 1 1/2 years and we’ve been impressed with the quality of instruction as well as the environment in which it’s provided. The Nishime family shares passion for what they do as well as a connection with all of their students, and it’s obvious the students love coming each week.